Living in London
Living in one of the most historical, diverse and creative cities in the world has various benefits concerning both your academic studies and your social life. Numerous museums, libraries and art galleries sit in the heart of London but many can be found out in the suburbs too. Where ever you choose to live there is bound to be attractions that are either a short walk or bus journey away.
London is also the place where things tend to happen first in art, music and fashion - and the University takes its cue from this lively environment. Here's just a taste of what's on offer...
Galleries
Tate Modern hosts major exhibitions of contemporary art as do the Saatchi, Hayward and Whitechapel galleries. There are also private galleries, often free entry, and photography galleries that welcome visitors. The University has just opened its own new gallery - London Gallery West - and regularly has exhibitions at both Harrow and Regent.
Bars, pubs and clubs.
London is well known for its varied night life with everything from underground clubs to late night jazz and retro burlesque. Events like these are dotted all over the city but for a safe bet head east to Shoreditch to pay a visit to one of many unique bars, north to Angel for late night pubs that have a trendy yet traditional feel or if you reside in the south, head to Clapham for its wide selection of pubs on the common and clubs on the high street. As London is one of the main art and music capitals there are always new events and club nights popping up ensuring that there is always something new to experience.
Music
Big pop, rock and dance outfits always play in London, but there are many more underground, experimental, classical, world and jazz events to be explored as well. You can't fail to be impressed by the musical vibrancy of contemporary London; it is after all home to some of the most famous acts in the world.
Film
The National Film Theatre, the BFI, Riverside Studios in Hammersmith and smaller cinemas such as the Prince Charles Cinema and the Curzon offer a wide range of independent UK and world cinema. The University itself runs many film clubs hosting events with leading film-makers and is also about to begin the restoration of the birthplace of British cinema - located in the Regent campus.
Theatre
There's always an array of theatre productions to be seen in London, from popular all singing all dancing shows like Dirty Dancing and The Lion King to more understated, independent plays. If you’re a budding thespian, lover of literature or culture seeker head to the Southbank - home to Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre.
Exercise
As well as being good for you, walking is a brilliant way to get to know London. Many of our campuses are close to green spaces and royal parks as well as to major sporting venues for many different sports. If you're sporty yourself, check out our world class pitches and other sports facilities at our Chiswick sports ground on the river - it's the place where the Oxford and Cambridge boat crews rest their weary limbs after the Boat Race each year. Or if you feel like a work-out, why not make use of our gym at 309 Regent Street? Regent Gym offers temporary gym membership at great rates.
Fashion and shopping
As well as being home to Vivienne Westwood, London is famous for its markets: Petticoat Lane - cheap street fashion, Columbia Road - flowers, Portobello Road - second-hand and vintage clothes, Dalston and Brixton - exotic fruit and vegetables. Our Regent site is on or around one of London's premier shopping streets and also regularly exhibits our own students' work in fashion design, ceramics, photography and other media.
Restaurants
Most world cuisines are represented in London at prices to suit everyone and with fashions in food constantly evolving, there's always something new to try. Areas best for eating out include Soho, a maze full of late night restaurants and Covent Garden, which is known for its alfresco dining.